Aston Villa are still without Scott Hogan with the new season fast approaching.

Hogan has been nursing a groin strain over the summer and earlier this month dropped a hint on social media that he was facing a race to be fit in time for the Championship kick off at Hull City on Monday, August 6.

So far the former Brentford striker has not been involved in any of Villa's pre-season friendlies.

He has had a checkered past with injuries, suffering major knee problems at his previous club and experiencing several setbacks at Villa, so medics at Bodymoor Heath are determined to take a softly, softly approach with his return to action.

Rushian Hepburn-Murphy was flown home from the warm weather training camp in Portugal earlier this month after picking up a knock and watched from the stands as Villa lost 3-1 to West Ham United at Walsall.

Harry McKirdy was also injured during the tour, but is believed to be making good progress.